Collapse at Key Codelco Copper Mine Clouds Production Prospects

A major collapse at a key new section of Codelco’s biggest mine is raising questions about the Chilean behemoth’s ability to meet production goals at a time of growing demand for the metal.

Days after celebrating the US government’s decision to spare its copper from hefty tariffs, Codelco is now reeling from a fatal accident at its El Teniente mine. First, it’s grappling with a human tragedy — one confirmed death, nine people injured and five others the subject of a rescue effort deep underground. The scenes in the Andes mountains south of Santiago are invoking comparisons with the ...